Interactive system for a closed cable network

ABSTRACT

A system is provided that enhances the interactivity of multimedia information in a closed cable network such as a hotel system or the like. The system includes a multimedia processing plurality of multimedia processing system, a telephone switching system, a video control system, a service operations platform, and a plurality of interactive devices. This system has the advantage of providing compression and/or transmission algorithms to maximize enhancement of the multimedia information. The system allows for enhanced interactivity within a closed cable system with minimum modification to the existing network.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a closed cable network and moreparticularly the present invention relates to the interactive transferof multimedia information within such a network.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are many types of closed cable networks. What is meant by closedcable networks in the context of this application are networks which areself-contained and have a specified number of users. For example, ahotel or hospital would contain such networks. In such networks, thereare a series of connections to each room or the like for presentation ofvarious multimedia information. Oftentimes this information takes theform of video material that is provided to each of the customers orpatients. The characteristic of these types of networks is that there isa feedback path that provides the owner of the network with knowledge ofthe activities of the particular user on the network. Hence, in the caseof a hotel system, if a person orders a service there is a way for theowner of the network to know that the service has been ordered by thatparticular person. The major problem with existing closed cable networksare that they are not fully interactive. That is, there is no way toactively select multimedia information from outside of the network inreal time. Accordingly, what is needed is a system for allowing a userof such a network to interactively access information outside of thenetwork without requiring additional equipment within each userlocation. In addition, the system should be one that does not affect thenormal operation of the existing closed cable system. The presentinvention addresses such a need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A closed cable network for interactive multimedia transmission comprisesa services operation platform system for receiving program materialsfrom customers and a multimedia processing system responsive to theprogram materials for providing information. The network furtherincludes means for transmitting and receiving telephone messages coupledto the multimedia processing system, a video control unit coupled to theprocessing system and a plurality of interactive multimedia devices(IMDs) for receiving and transmitting multimedia information to and fromthe multimedia processing system.

In another aspect, an interactive system for a closed cable networkcomprises means for processing multimedia information; means coupled tothe multimedia processing means for receiving telephone messages fromand transmitting telephone messages to the multimedia processing means;means coupled to the multimedia processing means for receiving accountinformation from and transmitting account information to the multimediaprocessing means; means coupled to the multimedia processing means forreceiving control information from and transmitting control informationto the multimedia processing means; and a plurality of interactivedevices coupled to the multimedia processing means.

The interactive devices are utilized to vastly increase the amount ofinformation that can be processed through a closed cable network. In oneaspect, the network is utilized to provide a reservation system for payper view movies, catalog shopping, ticketing or the like through thenetwork.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a prior art closed cable network.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a general embodiment of an interactivemultimedia system for use in a closed cable network.

FIG. 2a is a block diagram of a personal computer and an IMD utilized inthe system of FIG. 2.

FIG. 2b is a block diagram of a point to point system utilized in thesystem of FIG. 2.

FIG. 2c is a block diagram of a multimedia multiplexer coupled to aninteractive multimedia decoder.

FIG. 2d is a block diagram of a global multimedia decoder.

FIG. 2e is a block diagram of a multimedia processing center (MPC) inaccordance with the system of FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 is a block representation of the multimedia processing system(MPS) in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a first specific embodiment of an interactive multimediasystem for use in a closed cable network.

FIG. 5 is a second specific embodiment of an interactive multimediasystem for use in a closed cable network.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a first embodiment of the optimization methodwhich is utilized in the closed cable network in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 7 is a representation of the separation of primary and secondarymultimedia information.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart of a second embodiment of the optimization methodshowing the cooperation of a compression algorithm with a transmissionalgorithm in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a block that shows the cooperation of a compression algorithmwith a transmission algorithm in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a block representation of digital information of an imagefile and a MIDI file.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a general embodiment of an interactivemultimedia device (IMD) in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a representation of a remote control utilized in conjunctionwith the system architecture of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart of a reservation system that utilizes theinteractive system in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart of a shopping system that utilizes theinteractive system in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 14a is a flow chart of a portion of the shopping system of FIG. 14.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart of a movie review and ordering system thatutilizes the interactive system in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 15a is a flow chart of a portion of the movie review and orderingsystem of FIG. 15.

FIG. 16 is a flow chart of a ticketing system that utilizes theinteractive system in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a flow chart of a map generating system that utilizes theinteractive system in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 18a is a block diagram of an electronic inventory control systemutilized in the interactive system in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 18b is a block diagram of a physical inventory control systemutilized in the interactive system in accordance with the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an interactive system for a closedcable network. The following description is presented to enable one ofordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and is providedin the context of a patent application and its requirements. Variousmodifications to the preferred embodiment will be readily apparent tothose skilled in the art and the generic principles and featuresdescribed herein may be applied to other embodiments. Thus the presentinvention is not intended to be limited to the embodiment shown but isto be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles andfeatures described herein.

Referring now to FIG. 1, what is shown in simple block diagram form is aprior art closed cable network. In the following discussion the presentinvention will be discussed in the context of a hotel system. It shouldbe understood however that there are other types of closed cablenetworks such as hospitals, educational institutions and manyconventional cable head end networks or the like where the principles ofthe present invention would apply.

The system 10 includes a hotel PBX system 12 for receiving andtransmitting telephone calls, property management system 14 and a videocontrol system 16 which could be used to access the pay per view moviesor the like. The video control system 16 includes an in-room remote linkand is connected to the services operation platform 14. The propertymanagement system (PMS) 14 keeps track of the users that order themovies.

The system 10 as above described is not fully interactive. In this typeof system there are a number of video units or VCRs located within thesystem and they are switched in when the appropriate customer or clientwants to use the video unit. Hence, these video units cannot beindividualized to a particular user because there are simply not enoughunits. For example, there may be a bank of 64 VCRs which would service a500 room hotel. Each of the VCRs would have a separate movie.Accordingly, in this case there is a possibility that a particular moviewould not be available. In addition, this type of arrangement severelylimits the number of choices available.

Before the present invention is described in detail certain backgroundinformation should be discussed to clarify the utility of the presentinvention in terms of existing closed cable networks. In a multimediasystem, various sensory information is provided to a receiver. In thecase of video information, this information takes the form of foregroundand background images that display a particular scene. In the case ofaudio information, the foreground and background signals are such thatthe foreground information is speech and the background information ismusic.

Typically, multimedia systems in whatever form provide this informationover a single transmission line. In so doing, the amount and quality ofthe multimedia information is severely limited by the bandwidth of thetransmission line.

The present invention first differentiates between important and lessimportant multimedia information by separating the information intoprimary and secondary layers through the use of a program model tominimize the bandwidth limitations. In such a system each layer willhave its own set of parameters that are important psychographically,however, the secondary layer will not vary as much as the primary layer.

What is meant by a program model refers to psychographic parameterswithin the multimedia system, that is parameters that relate to anindividual's sensory perceptions when encountering multimediainformation. These parameters comprise a set of unique and consistentelements for a particular class of multimedia information. In accordancewith the present invention, its multimedia information is separated intodifferent layers in accordance with the program model. Therefore, by wayof example, in the instance of video images, the foreground andbackground information might be divided into different layers.Similarly, in the case of audio information, the news information,weather information, or the like may be one layer whereas the backgroundmusic may be the other layer.

In the present invention, these layers will be divided into primary andsecondary layers in accordance with the information's importancerelative to the program model. The most important information isidentified and enhanced to provide the best quality information to thereceiver of the multimedia information.

In the preferred embodiment, the primary layers will be enhanced in sucha way to provide a perceived improvement in quality of the multimediainformation presented. In one embodiment the secondary layers arepresented that may or may not be enhanced. Thereby the importantinformation or the primary layers that are to be transmitted can beidentified and selectively enhanced in accordance with the presentinvention.

In addition, the primary layers generally can be enhanced throughcritical psychographic parameters take the form of spatial, color,audio, and temporal variables that occur in the primary or secondarylayers.

In a closed cable network such as a hotel system it is important thatthe multimedia information that is produced, transmitted and received isenhanced in some manner. This is necessary to ensure that high fidelity,high quality information is presented to the viewer. Therefore, it willbe possible to bring a superior product into the network. It is known,for example, it has been possible to provide video information over thetelephone lines. However, it has been a problem sending high qualityvideo information due to the bandwidth requirements that are needed toprovide such high quality video information.

The present invention is directed towards a method and apparatus forenhancing the interactive multimedia information that is utilized withina closed cable network. To more fully explain such a method andapparatus, refer now to FIGS. 2-5 which shows a block diagram of ageneral embodiment and block diagrams of two specific embodiments of theoverall system architecture for an enhanced interactive multimediasystem for a closed cable network. The overall architecture would beconnected to the hotel PBX or the like so as to readily access thetransmission lines located therein.

Referring first to FIG. 2, the overall general architecture 100 includesa multimedia processing system (MPS) 102 which is coupled to receiveinformation from and transmit information to a video control system 104,an account computer 106, a service operations platform SOP 107, and atelephony switching system 108. The MPS 102 is also coupled to aninteractive multimedia decoder (IMD) 110, a CD/I device 112, a laserdisk 117, video camera 121, compact disk (CD) player 125, personalcomputer (PC) 119, video camera recorder (VCR) 123 and other devices114. In this system each of these devices can be utilized to provideupdatable multimedia information. For example, a compact disk player 125can be utilized to jump to different places to provide multimediainformation. It could be utilized in conjunction with an IMD to augmentthe fixed media with interactive material (updatable video source)material.

A personal computer 119 can be utilized in conjunction with the IMD 110as shown in FIG. 2a to mesh a composite signal (audio, video) utilizinga multimedia selection. Some examples for the use of such a system areon-line services, games or maps and the like.

A VCR 123 or CD player 125 could be utilized in such a system, forexample, movie preview, catalog shopping, and a music listening system.Through this system full interactivity could be obtained.

Video conferencing can be implemented for point to point or point tomultiple point video conferencing. For example, referring now to FIG.2b, what is shown is a point to multiple point video conference system500. In this type of system, a video conference room (VC) can beutilized to transmit to multiple sites. This system can be utilized withthe IMD 110 to provide updatable multimedia information.

Similarly, a point to point system, in which there is a video camera ineach guest's room, can be utilized. In this embodiments a videomultiplexer can be utilized to send updatable multimedia informationfrom point to point (room to room) dependent on the type of informationpresented.

An advantage of this system is to provide means for switching betweenalternate multimedia information at the head end. This allows forswitching between analog and digital; data and graphics, music andvideo, etc. To more fully explain the advantage of this feature refernow to FIG. 2c. FIG. 2c shows a multimedia multiplexer (MM) 135 coupledto an IMD 110. In this embodiment the MM 135 can send information from aplurality multimedia sources to the IMD 110.

In a preferred embodiment to provide for maximum resource allocationrefer now to FIG. 2d which shows a global multimedia multiplexer (GMM)137. The GMM 137 would typically include a plurality of multimedia lines(mm₀ -mm_(n)) for receiving multimedia source material. The GMM 137receives information from a plurality of multimedia devices such as aPC, VCR, LD, CD-ROM, and CD/I devices. The output of the GMM 137 isprovided to a plurality of IMDs 110 (IMD₀ -IMD_(n)). The GMM 137receives signals from a control channel 139 either from a MPS or theIMDs or other outside source. Through this device any multimedia sourceor combination of sources (mm₀ -mm_(n)) can be directed to any decoderor interactive channel (IMD₀ -IMD_(n)). This GMM 137 can be implementedin a variety of ways, for example, it can be a digital crosspointswitch. Through such a device a combination of multimedia devices can beutilized to produce a composite signal.

Referring back to FIG. 2, the cable feed line in turn is coupled to thevideo control system 104. The account computer 106 and the SOP 107 arealso directly coupled to the telephone switching system 108 via lines120 and 120', respectively. The telephone switching system 108 iscapable of sending and receiving outside calls. The video control system104 is capable of sending and receiving a remote signal from a cablesystem, telecommunication system or the like.

Another portion of the invention is an interactive voice response system111. This system includes a telephone 113 which connects to thetelephony switching 108 via telephone links. The telephone 113 alsocould include a credit card slot. There is also included within thesystem 111, a remote control 900 which will be described in detail laterand a television 115 which is coupled to the cable 116.

In this general embodiment, the multimedia processing system (MPS) 102receives program source material from the SOP 107 and from the controlsystem 104. The control system 04 can be a pay per view system such as aOn-Command™ Video or a different type of service, such as a shopping,buying movie or airline tickets, or the like. The MPS can also operatean interactive voice response program independently or integrated intoother interactive multimedia programs.

The SOP 107 is utilized for receiving facsimile and voice messages. TheSOP 107 can also be utilized in conjunction with pagers and the like torelay messages. By linking the account computer 106 to MPS 102 messagescan be displayed on a monitor within the guest room. In addition, faxescan be displayed on the television and could be forwarded to otherlocations.

A master multimedia processing center (MPC) 109 is also coupled to theclosed cable system 100 via connection to the MPS 102. The MPC 109 iscoupled to a plurality of closed cable systems to provide enhancedinteractivity thereto. Referring now to FIG. 2e what is shown is a blockdiagram of the MPC 109. The MPC 109 comprises an interactive multimediamastering system 111 which receives program source material from variousoutside sources and a MPS 102 which receives source material from theIMM 111 and can also receive data information over a program port 113and an auxiliary port 115.

Referring back to FIG. 2, a critical portion of the system 100 is thetelephone switching system 108 interface. Through the use of thisarchitecture the switching system 108 can be controlled to provide theappropriate information to the user. Through the use of the interfacedevices (IMD 110, CD/I 112 and the other device 114) and the MPS 102,the switching system 108 can be controlled in such a manner that theuser doesn't have to remember a telephone number to obtain the desiredinformation. This control can be accomplished through either a digitallink that is directly interfaced to the telephone switching system 108or through an analog link where only a normal phone connection to thesystem. Through either of the systems an emulation of the customeractions would be undertaken.

In a typical example, a call is made by the user to order a service. TheMPS 102 places call to the room through control of the system 108. Theroom telephone will ring and the MPS 102 will send a message to theswitching system 108 that the customer would like to access a service,in this case, a restaurant where the customer would like to makereservations. It should be understood in the alternative to the abovethat the restaurant could be called first via the system 108 and thenthe MPS 102 would call the customer back. The switching system 108 willthen call the restaurant, introduce the caller and then the restaurantwill be linked to the room. All of these activities are donetransparently to the user. Through the use of this system 100 it is alsopossible to print out faxes and or receipts directly at the front deskof a hotel or the like.

The system 100 is capable of transaction processing via the multimediain a variety of ways. For example, transactions can be processed byposting billing information to a computer within the closed cablesystem, a facsimile ordering system within the system or through a voiceorder processing.

The MPS 102 will provide and receive information relating to movies andother services from and to interface devices 110, 112, and 114. Theinterface devices 110, 112, and 114 are in the hotel facilitiesconnected either to the hotel video cable system through use of thevideo/audio outputs or connected via digital links from interfacedevices 110, 112 and 114 in each guest's room.

Referring now to FIG. 3 what is shown is the preferred embodiment of aMPS 102. The MPS 102 comprises a distributed computing architecture. Thedistributed computing architecture includes a master node 200 that has,in this case, three server nodes 204, 206, and 208 for the IMD, CD/I andthe other devices respectively. The other devices that could be coupledto MPS 102 are, for example, but not limited to video games, a CD ROMdevice, a personal computer, or a specialty device such as a translatoror gaming device such as a video slot machine or the like.

Each of the server nodes 204, 206 and 208 have client nodes 210, 212,214, 216, 218, and 220 connected to the respective interactive devices.Attached to each of the clients nodes 210, 212, 214,216, and 218 ports220. When connected via the existing networks or the MPC 109 (FIG. 2a)and then on to connection to the interactive devices 110, 112, and 114(FIG. 2) which has its own processing storage and computing structurethe entire network can be operated as a massive distributed computingenvironment.

This environment shares all dimensions of computing, storagestransmission and peripheral resources (printing, product ordering,mailing functions, etc.). This type of computing architecture wouldinclude dynamic port allocation and would include incremental failurecharacteristics to allow for robustness of the MPS 102.

In addition through the use of this interactive system 100 of thepresent invention a multiplicity of different interactive devices can beutilized and no modification to the device need be made to allow fordevices' use within the system. Accordingly the link between the MPS 102and the interactive devices can be a serial link, a CD/I link, a cablelink such as ethernet or telephone connection via a simple infraredrelay control link. Since the MPS 102 can transmit and receive data aswell as control information it can operate utilizing a wide range andtypes of interactive devices such as video games, CD ROM, personalcomputer or specialty instruments such as translators.

In a first more specific embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the multimediaprocessing system (MPS) 102 receives program source material from theservices operation platform (SOP) 106' and from a pay video controlsystem 104'. The control system 104' can be a pay per view system suchas a On-Command™ Video or a different type of service, such as ashopping, buying movie or airline tickets, or the like.

The SOP 106' is utilized for receiving facsimile and voice messages. TheSOP 106' can also be utilized in conjunction with pagers and the like torelay messages. By linking the SOP 106' to MPS 102 messages can bedisplayed on a monitor within the guest room. In addition, faxes can bedisplayed on the television and could be forwarded to other locations.

The multimedia processing system 102 will provide and receiveinformation relating to movies and other services from to interactivedevices 110' and 112'. The interactive devices 110' and 112' will belocated in the hotel facilities connected either to the hotel videocable system through use of the video/audio outputs or connected viadigital links from interactive devices 110' and 112' in each guest'sroom.

In a second more specific embodiment shown in FIG. 5 the architecture issimilar except that there is an IMD 110 in each guest room. The IMD 110can also be used within an interactive voice response system 119 toprovide a more complete interactive system. In this embodiment, the IMDs110" can be utilized to provide the interactivity for each room. Thestructure of the IMDs 110" will be described in detail later in thisspecification.

The IMDs 110 can take on many different forms dependent upon how muchintelligence is located in an IMD 110 relative to the systemarchitecture 100. The system architecture 100 shown in different aspectsin FIGS. 2-5 provides program material which will enhance theinteractivity of information that is transmitted along the videonetwork. Accordingly, what the system architecture 100 represents, infact, is an additional network which would receive information from theprogram source which would also be part of the existing closed cablesystem. The system architecture 100 will then be utilized to provide forenhanced multimedia information through psychographic manipulations orother enhancements to the systems to provide for an improved interactiveclosed cable system.

Within each of the IMDs 110 of the system 100 is an optimizationtechnique for enhancing the quality of the multimedia information thatis present. To more specifically describe this optimization technique,refer now to FIG. 6 which is a block diagram of an optimization methodin accordance with the present invention. The following paragraphs alongwith the accompanying figures will provide the details regarding theoptimization method and how it will be used advantageously to provide anenhanced interactive multimedia system.

The purpose of the IMD 110 is to provide maximum interactivity while atthe same time providing maximum retention of the program model. It isalso important that there be minimum transit time for the interactivitywhile the information has maximum replication. Therefore, it is veryimportant that the program model psychographic parameters be welldescribed. For example, the spatial, color, temporal, audio response,material concept, contention perception all should be very welldescribed and defined in the program model.

Referring again now to FIG. 6 what is shown is a first embodiment of aflow chart for providing an enhanced interactive multimedia informationthat utilizes the principles of the present invention. The flow chart300 comprises the steps of providing a program model to a separator. Theseparator 302 will divide the information into primary and secondarylayers of interactive multimedia information. The separation isautomatic and can be accomplished in a variety of ways. For example, thelayers can be separated by production sources. In another example,separation can be accomplished through key coding the layers. In yet athird example, the layers can be spatially separated or separated by thevarious colors. Finally, layers of information could be separated by afiltering process.

The primary layers are provided to the compression generation block 304.There are a variety of ways that the multimedia data can be changed orgenerated to use less bandwidth. For example, compression algorithms ortheir equivalents could be utilized to reduce the bandwidth used. Inaddition generators, such as in a tone generator system, could beutilized to reduce the bandwidth required. Finally, key coding systemscould be utilized to reduce bandwidth use. Such systems will bediscussed in more detail later in the specification.

In this embodiment, the primary layer is provided to an encoder wherethe primary layer is prepared for transmission (block 308). Thereafterthe primary layer of information is decompressed (block 110). Theprimary layer is then decoded and mixed with the secondary layer of datainformation (block 312) to provide an enhanced interactive multimediaimage (motion, video or other) or data to a display.

Similarly, the secondary layer is compressed through block 314, encoded(block 316) and then transmitted to block 318 to decompress and mixblock 310. The two signals (primary and secondary) are then sent todisplay 312.

In this embodiment, for example, for the optimization of video images,the primary layer can be the foreground image, the secondary layer canbe a background image. Through the use of this type of optimizationtechnique multimedia information can be enhanced while at the same timeutilizing significantly less bandwidth. In addition, by optimizing bothlayer, s, full motion video is possible.

To more fully understand this feature refer now to the followingdiscussion. In a typical interactive multimedia system the informationis all sent along one layer. The information that can then betransmitted is limited by the bandwidth of that layer.

In the prior art, the interactive multimedia information that could betransmitted along typical networks or transmission paths that are verylimited because, for example, in the case of video images the bandwidthis not adequate to provide a high quality image to a display.

Hence, in the present invention, by separating the multimediainformation into primary and secondary layers and thereafter compressingthe more important information utilizing well known compressionalgorithms, a system is described that can produce enhanced interactivemultimedia information that easily be transmitted over existingnetworks.

To more fully describe the psychographic enhancement feature of thepresent invention refer now to FIG. 7 which shown the variouspossibilities from a particular program model. The program model isprovided to the separator 302 of the multimedia system.

Psychographic enhancements are critical to the improvement ininteractive multimedia transmission and reception enhancements in thecontext of the present application is information that is nottransmitted but operates on, operates in conjunction with, or operatesas a supplement to transmitted multimedia information. There are threeseparate categories that will be described that relate to psychographicenhancements.

The first category will be described as a cross correlation between theinformation that is being transmitted and being enhanced due to thepresence of information that is not transmitted. Dithering of image isan example of this in that dithering masks artifacts of images that arepresent and that improves the image quality. This type of system doesnot remove the artifacts but actually just masks imperfections. A secondexample in the audio arena where secondary audio materials such as asound of an ocean or the like which might mask problems in the audioquality of the primary sound (voice, music or the like).

The second category is where the signal is actually changed without theuse of any control signal; for example, through interpolation or someother technique. The typical example of that is a graphic equalizer inwhich certain frequencies are enhanced depending on the range of theparticular device. Another example of the second category is tofrequency or amplitude compress a certain signal so as to furtherenhance the frequencies that are being transmitted. It is also known touse various filters to sharpen or provide certain information that willactually modify the signal without controlling it per se.

Finally, the third category is using the primary and secondaryinformation to drive the other generators that might be present withinthe multimedia system. This can be utilized to either enhance themultimedia information or enhance the program model. An example of thisis the use of real-time graphics frequency spectrum displays to enhancea music juke box type of program model.

As is seen in FIG. 7, the primary multimedia information layer can becompressed to reduce the bandwidth utilizing well known algorithms. Itis also seen that the signal can be replaced by a generator that isresponsive to the primary/secondary layers signals. Finally, a key codecould be used to cause information to be provided from a look-up tableor the like.

Although all of the above methods provide advantages in accordance withthe present invention, key coding has some additional non-obviousadvantages when utilized in the optimization system of the presentinvention. In the following paragraphs the use of various key codingsystems will be described generally along with their attendantadvantages.

Typically, when looking at an interactive multimedia information signalthere are several components of that information. The first component isthe data or the multimedia information itself that is being conveyed.The second component is referred to as program model dynamics. That isthe changes that occur in the interactive multimedia information due tofor example, a fade that allows for a transition from one scene in thegraphics or video image to another. Conversely, if you want to wipe awayan image there is information associated with the multimedia data thatwould call out for that transition to change efficiently.

Finally, the third category of interactive multimedia information iswhat will be referred to in this specification which will allow aparticular device or system to go from one category to another. In atypical interactive multimedia information system all this informationis required to adequately transmit such information.

In its simplest form, a key has an identifiable code which dictates thecommands on the other side of the device. The clearest example of such akeying system would be the very simple dual tone multi-frequency (DTMF)signal. This type of signal can be used in the telecommunications areato provide keying for low bandwidth protocol. These keys would thencommand a code table on the side of the network to provide certaininformation about the multimedia information to be displayed withoutrequiring actual transmission of the multimedia information.

A more specific version of this type of key coding is what will bereferred to in this specification as control information keying. What ismeant by controlled information keying is where a key code is utilizedto access particular types of commands which can then be used to controlother items on the other side of the network.

Such a table would then be utilized to access a certain set ofmultimedia information in the network. A final version of key codingwill be called program branching keying is described by each of the keysrepresenting a certain branch identification. Thus in this type of keycoding the key is cross referenced to a particular branch of theinteractive multimedia program where each of the branches allowsplurality of functions or commands to be accessed in order to replicatethe program model.

The important feature that is provided by all of these types of keyingcoding arrangements is that information already present on the networkcan be utilized. Therefore, the processing power inherent in the networkor the system being accessed can be utilized rather than having to haveto provide that processing power within the optimization system itself.

It is also important to develop means to improve the transmissionquality of the multimedia information, for example, the information maybe transmitted utilizing a typical transmission algorithm with standardcommunication file data transfer protocols. The interactive multimediainformation could also utilize specialized protocols that are optimizedfor the particular interactive multimedia information that is to betransmitted. In so doing the algorithm for the compression algorithm canbe interactively matrixed with the transmission algorithm to provide thehighest quality information with the maximum interactivity with theminimum transmission line.

Referring now to FIG. 8, what is shown is a flow chart that shows thecooperation of the transmission algorithm with the compression algorithmto produce a high quality multimedia image. The flow chart comprisesproviding a program model in which the primary and secondary layers areseparated (block 402). The primary layer is compressed and encoded(blocks 404 and 406).

A control element (block 410) is utilized to control a

compression matrix and a transmission matrix. These two matricescomprise a plurality of compression algorithm and transmission algorithmrespectively that are interactively controlled such that as the variousalgorithms are detected the quality of the multimedia information andthe speed of the transmission are interactively determined.

The quality of the information could be determined manually or throughthe use of some control circuitry. It should be understood that thesesame matrices could also be used on the secondary layer. It was notshown or described for purposes of clarity and simplicity.

Referring now to FIG. 9 what is shown is a block representation of amatrix of compression algorithm with transmission algorithm that couldbe utilized in accordance with the present invention. The circles 502aligned in the vertical direction are the compression algorithms. Therectangles 504 aligned in the horizontal direction are the transmissionalgorithms.

For example the compression algorithms could be JPEG, a generator withMIDI, and a key for a weather map background. Similarly, thetransmission algorithms could be optimized for JPEG, data compressionfor MIDI, or DTMF for key transmission type algorithms. To provide thehighest quality multimedia information while at the same time utilizingminimum bandwidth the different algorithms can be selected in aninteractive manner.

Hence, a first compression algorithm could be selected along with thefirst transmission algorithm. The multimedia information is reviewedeither for image or audio quality than a second compression algorithm isselected. The multimedia information is reviewed and if the quality isnot acceptable then a second transmission algorithm is selected. Thequality of the information is reviewed. This process is repeated untilthe highest or desired quality multimedia information and interactivityspeed are provided.

The multimedia information derived from the compression/transmissionalgorithms can be analog or digital in nature. However, in a digitalsignal there are certain other features that can be taken to advantagethat can be utilized in accordance with the present invention.

It is known that digital data information is typically sent in a filewhich specifies certain parameters of that data and the data informationitself and within the data information itself is information which maynot change for a certain set of files. In the case of an image file, theheader information may specify the dimensions, pixel depth, and certainother features of the particular image. This file may take up a much astwenty percent of the data file.

Conversely, in a file such as MIDI music file which comprise a pluralityor a series of music notes, the header may include instrumentinformation, related information and characteristics of that particularfile. In both of the above mentioned examples, the header informationmay not change, through the use of the optimization method the amount ofinformation may be significantly reduced over time.

Hence, in the case of the image file, the header could be sent firstwith no compression or with lossless data compression as the secondaryfile because it will always remain the same. The data file itself canthen be compressed down to its smaller size.

Another method for enhancing the psychographic parameters is to providesome form of error detection and adjustment. As has been mentionedbefore the detection and adjustment can be accomplished viainterpolation of the error. An alternative method of error corrector isthrough an error correction/transmission algorithm. What is meant bythis, is relating the transmission to the compression to enhanceinteractivity.

In this type of system before the file is sent the base file iscompressed and then decompressed. This decompressed file is called anexpanded compressed base file. The expanded compressed base file is thencompared to the original base file and an error file is then developed(the error file being the difference between the base file and theexpanded compressed base file). The error file is compressed and sentalong with the compressed version of the base file down the line. Thesefiles are then combined and decompressed to provide an enhanced image.

Referring now to FIG. 10 it is seen that a data file utilizing thistechnique could initially be separated into primary and secondarylayers. The primary layer could be compressed using a first compressionalgorithm, the header could be sent first along a first transmissionpath and the compression signal could be sent along a secondtransmission path.

Therefore, the amount of storage necessary for the file is significantlyreduced through secondary compression techniques. This information canthen be transmitted or stored across the network rather than having tohave all the information stored within a particular device within theoptimization system.

It should be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art willrecognize that the number of algorithms is not limited to the numbershown in the figures. In addition it should be recognized that the orderor the selection of the algorithms could be changed and that would bewithin the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The present invention has been discussed in terms of compressing theprimary layer or layer and by compressing and transmitting that primarylayer in a particular way the interactivity of the system is enhanced.It should be understood that it may be equally important to enhancesecondary layers to produce the same effect.

Therefore, it may be important to enhance the secondary layer, it may beimportant to enhance the primary layer or it may be important to enhanceboth. Therefore, the present invention through the use of compressionand transmission algorithms and through the psychographic enhancement ofthe program model can enhance interactivity of a multimedia system.

It should also be understood that the function of the compression andtransmission algorithms can also be done through other means; forexample, a signal generator could be used to provide the sameinformation. That is, a signal generator responsive to a particularlayer or layer of information could be utilized to provide thatinformation or some level of information that is representative of thatlayer. For example, a tone generator responsive to a signal from thesecondary layer to provide the tone that would be representative of thatsecondary layer.

Conversely, some type of graphics generator could be utilized to respondto that same type of signal to provide a certain type of graphic imagein a video system. Finally, it should also be understood that thepsychographic parameters can be adjusted by human operator or in thealternative can be adjusted or modified by an automatic means.

As has been before mentioned, it also is very important in this systemarchitecture to have an interactive multimedia device 110 which willallow for the receipt of high quality multimedia information from thesystem architecture. The IMDs 110 can be either located in the facilityin the basement or are utilized with each of the television monitorswithin the hotel or hospital room to provide enhanced audio, video andgraphic information within the closed cable system.

FIG. 11 is a preferred embodiment of an interactive multimedia decoder(IMD) 110. The IMD 110 comprises several components. The cable ortelephone line is coupled to a multimedia modem 1102. The multimediamodem 1102 is coupled to a multimedia memory 1104 which can be anexpandable dynamic random access memory (DRAM) 1104. The multimediamodem chip 1102 provides data to a multimedia decompressor device 1106.The multimedia memory 1104 provides data to graphics/character generator1108, speech generator 1110 and music synthesizer 1112. In addition, theoutput of the generators 1108, 1110, and 1112 are provided to a videocontrol chip 1114. Video control chip 1114 provides signals to astandard television display and receives signals from a standardtelevision source. The multimedia modem 1102, the multimedia memory1104, the multimedia decompressor 1106, the multimedia digital/audiocontrol 1108, the video control chip 1114 and music synthesizer 1112 areall ultimately controlled by an interactive control interface 1116 whichmanages the operation of all of the above elements. The video controlchip 1114 is coupled to a standard telephone keypad input or for atelevision remote-type device or a special IMD remote can be utilized ina variety of ways which will be discussed in detail hereinafter.

Personalized and Demographic information can be stored on the IMD 110,the MPS, or the PMS including age, sex of the user alone with technicalinformation (IMD serial no, generators available). Therefore, uponconnecting to the MPS 102, the IMD 110, or PMS can both forward thisstored information either at the beginning of the session or anytimeafterwards. This information can then be updated through the MPS 102 ordirectly at the IMD 110 through selection using the keypad or remote orby receiving the data from the MPS 102.

Accordingly this information provides the basis for highly accuratemarket research and commercial monitoring. Through the IMDs and MPS realtime information can be provided to the supplier of the information.This information can also be utilized to provide interactive advertisingbased on the choice of the advertiser as well as the demographics of theviewer. The type of information that could be useful for example wouldbe the logging of each key stroke made on a remote control therebymonitoring the "browsing" or viewing habits of the customer in responseto either interactive material supplied by the IMD or synchronizedmaterial from the cable head-end 122.

In the case of room shopping, a guest can select information forpresentation and then can choose items and then bill items to the room.As an alternative, the MPS 102 can allow for the use of a credit card toforward information on to an automated order system or to an operator.In addition, this type of system could allow for a facsimile receipt tobe sent back to guest via the television monitor within the room.

Another mode of operation is the delivery of multimedia informationduring the period that the communication network is not in use. In thisway large amounts of multimedia information can be efficientlytransmitted and stored in the IMD for later review and enhancedinteractivity.

The function of each of the different components in a preferredembodiment is described in a summary fashion below.

Multimedia Modem 1102

A. Responsible for all communications between cable or phone line,optional serial port, interface to multimedia memory, multimedia decode,audio control, and processor control modules.

B. Supports standards protocol for half-duplex, full duplex, andhalf-duplex high speed operation.

C. On-chip encode/decode capability, D/A, A/D for voice, facsimile, anddata functions.

D. Dual tone multi-frequency (DTMF) detect and generation.

E. Auto-detect voice/facsimile/data switch for transparent modetransition.

F. Incorporates controller unit with binary file transfer, facsimile,data, and voice modes, and optional proprietary multimedia processorcontrol optimized protocol firmware.

G. Firmware allows IMD to use multimedia modem to perform callprocessing function including telephone call dialing and connection,unattended receipt of data and fax among other functions.

H. Include ability to decode data from video cable signal including VBIencoded data or data encoded in the video signal itself outside the VBI.

Multimedia Memory 1104

A. Nominal DRAM or VRAM for image mixing/processing, and auxiliarymultimedia data store.

B. Nominal ROM for resident IMD control program.

C. Optional co-resident DRAM for multimedia data store and program/datastore.

D. Optional non-volatile storage (extendible).

E. Memory control unit for VRAM/ROM/DRAM and non-volatile storage.

Multimedia Decode 1106

A. Responsible for real-time decompression of images transferred to orstored in the IMD 110.

B. On chip inverse discrete cosine transform processor.

C. Reverse quantizer decoder/tables.

D. Built-in zoom, pan, chroma key, mix from compressed data incorporatesinterfaces to video data bus, multimedia memory, multimedia modem, videocontrol, and microprocessor control sections.

Video Control 1114

A. Responsible for all IMD 110 video mixing, enhancements, and displayfunctions.

B. Pixel processor for mix, zoom, pan, chroma key, transform on pixeldata, transitions.

C. Graphics processor for figures (e.g., rectangles with color fill)generation, sprites, text with foreign characters, and scrolling.

D. Digital to analog conversion, analog to NTSC, NTSC video plus stereoaudio to RF.

Graphics/Character, Speech Generator, Music Synthesizer 1108, 1110, and1112

A. Responsible for enhancing received analog/digital audio, musicsynthesis generation, and overall analog mixing and audio effects.

B. Incorporates decoding burden.

C. Sampled instrument synthesis from compressed MIDI input.

D. Built-in micro-controller for multi-task generation.

E. Dual analog source mix, digital audio and synthesizer mix, analogaudio control (volume, bass, treble, balance) for output to analogleft/right audio.

Interactive Multi-Task Processor 1116

A. Responsible for multi-task execution of resident and downloaded IMDcode for operation in conjunction or independently of the MCPS.

B. Master/slave microcontroller architecture for multitask control ofcommunications, multimedia memory, multimedia decode, digital videocontrol, digital audio/synthesis, and interface management.

In a preferred embodiment, the IMD 110 will be utilized with atelevision monitor to transmit and receive multimedia information.Hence, the IMD 110 can be utilized in the case of movie for access andto transmit an almost unlimited number of movies to a particular user.Therefore through the use of the IMDs in the system a more fullyinteractive system is possible. In addition, through this system avariety of other services can be provided for the user such asadvertisements, shopping, airline ticketing, entertainment and the like.

Another critical feature of the IMD 110 is to have a remote control thatwill work in conjunction with the television or other display to provideenhanced multimedia information. To more fully explain this featurerefer now to FIG. 12. The remote control 900 looks much like a telephonekeypad. It has the numerals (0-9) and symbols (*-#) that are part of anordinary telephone keypad. It includes an enter key 902 that istypically utilized to change information or change channels in the caseof a television set. The control 900 would also include a volume key 904and a channel or memory select key 906, a connect key 908, a telephonecall key 909 and a multimedia toggle button 910. The telephone call key909 is utilized to place a call to a designated telephone number or to anumber associated with the multimedia information being viewed. Theremote control 900 also includes a keys 911, 913, 915 that will controlthe fast forward, reverse, and slow motion of a video device.

The remote control 900 could also include a credit card slot 912. Thiscredit card slot 912 would be utilized by the viewer to allow for thepurchase of certain items directly while viewing the television screen.The credit card slot 912 could also be utilized as an indicator that acertain room is being occupied by a particular person. This indicationwould preclude the need for a separate inputting of the relevant userinformation for billing information. The credit card information couldalso be accessed by a credit card slide that is physically connected tothe television by passing the information through the remote controlcable back channel.

Finally, the control 900 includes special effect keys 916, for example,for allowing for the browsing of a multimedia directory whilesimultaneously displaying a picture in the picture of the currentbroadcast TV channel. The remote control 900 can operate in an emulatedkeystroke mode in which pressing one key may be utilized to emulate acombination of keystrokes. In addition a call button may be providedwhich would allow for sending valid numbers to another location. Theremote control 900 also has the capability of emulating other remotecontrols. For example, through the MPS different types of signals can bemapped with the remote control. The MPS provides the translation of thesignals of a CD/I device for example.

The remote control 900 could utilize a radio frequency signal or audiosignal to interact with the receiver and/or IMD 110 for the control ofthe IMD 110, control the selection of multimedia information, and forthe control of other devices. It is also known that a more conventionalremote control could be utilized such as one that controls a VCR or atelevision and its use would be within the spirit and scope of thepresent invention. The remote control 900 also includes a positioningfunction. Accordingly, a motion detector or the like can be utilizedwithin the remote to allow for pointing the remote at the televisionmonitor to transmit certain information.

Another feature of the above-identified system architecture is that theprogram information can be linked to the network to provide for enhancedinteractivity and program quality. For example, the program source canfollow or be synchronized with the cable or broadcast feed to providefor enhanced distribution of program information. One specific exampleof this to take a new program, like CNN broadcasting, which consists ofseveral short news items. For each news there could be stored largearchives or program material related to a particular story. Hence,through multimedia interaction with for, example, the remote control 900the stored program material can be accessed. This would allow the userto review the material in whatever detail was desired.

Another example, is in an advertising feed if a particular item wasadvertised, there would be the ability to refer to more detailedinformation about the product.

Yet another example of such a system is to have one service linked toanother. An advertisement could be linked to a means for ordering theparticular product being advertised including the placement of a phonecall by the IMDs to the desired telephone number. In so doing, thelinked system allows for additional services to be accessed.

The important requirements for this linked feature is that there is aknowledge of the contents of the system program requirements and thereis a knowledge of where the user is in the program. For example, an IMDcould be used for channel program identification in which the telephonecall is linked to a particular channel that has been selected. Anotherexample is link demographics for targeted interactive advertising.Hence, in an advertisement for a diaper, for example, there would be thefacility to access advertisements for related items such as baby powder,baby oil or the like through the use of this linked approach.

A first example of this feature is a reservation system. Referring toFIG. 13 which is a flow chart of such a system is selections can bereviewed via step 1302, then the customer can make a selection via step1304 by reviewing the multimedia information on the television. If theselection is not available via step 1306 then the user can reviewselections and make another choice. However if the selection isavailable then the telephone system within the hotel is contacted by theMPS 102 via step 1308 so that the reservation can be made. Thereafterthe reservation is made via step 1310.

An example of this could be the linking of an interactive voice responsesystem to a multimedia system. For example, this system could be linkedto a "900" number for the Wall Street Journal stock information.Thereafter, credit card verification can be entered by hand and/or by acredit card slot on the phone or the remote. More information could thenbe displayed, such as stock price graphs, on the TV synchronized withthe latest news and price for the particular stock. Finally, systemcould allow for a voice annotated facsimile that could be printed at thefront desk of a hotel or the like.

Another example of the use of this system is illustrated by catalogshopping. Referring now to FIG. 14 in such a system there is updatablemultimedia information that is viewed by a customer via step 1402 on thetelevision monitor. Thereafter the customer can select from a number ofshopping sources via step 1404. Whether the interactive devices are in acentral location or in a each room the customer can order by the deviceinteracting with a catalog order desk located in the facility which thenbills the customer via step 1406. The billing can occur directly throughthe account computer of the facility or on the other hand can chargedthrough a credit card transaction. That transaction can be completedstep via the credit card slot on the remote control 900, a credit cardslot that may be located on the monitor or interactive device ortelephone or finally the numbers on the credit card could be enteredutilizing a remote control or the like. The MPS 102 can then generate amail order facsimile directly to cataloger facsimile telephone line viastep 1408. The MPS 102 then sends the order to the source via step 1410.

A customer receipt can then be printed at the front desk through aspecial printer and then the goods can then be delivered via steps 1412and 1414. The goods could be delivered either to the hotel facilities,to the customers home or to her place of business. Finally, there couldbe variety of methods of delivery and there use would be within thespirit and scope of the present invention.

Accordingly, this system can be utilized effectively in a voice responsesystem. Through the present invention a voice response can activate oroperate in conjunction with a multimedia program to provide a fullyinteractive communication system. For example a facsimile message can bedisplayed on a television screen based on the voice response system.

Referring now to FIG. 14a what is shown is an automated call processingsystem of FIG. 14. In this embodiment the system places a call to thetelephone number of the catalog source via step 1408-1, then the MPS 102connects to the catalog source via step 1408-2 and send, an automatedmessage such as "You have reached the cable network for ABC hotel, press1 to confirm." After the connection is confirmed the MPS 102 it willthen send order information to the catalog source via step 1410-1. Thesource will then acknowledge the order via step 1410-2. The source couldfor example confirm credit card information and the like during thisstep.

Another example of the utility of the present invention is its use in avideo reservation system within a hotel system or the like as shown inFIG. 15. Through this system even those movies being viewed can bereviewed via step 1502. The customer can also determine when the videowill be available via step 1504. The customer can the reserve the movieat a later time based upon the reviewed information via steps 1508 and1510.

A variation on this type of system is illustrated in FIG. 15a which isan allocated movie selection system. In this system movies could beviewed within a certain margin of time such as within 15 minutes afterthe hour step 1508-1. If the customer does want to see the movie, step1510-1 then the movie is selected to be seen at the allocated time, ifnot the other choices can be viewed step 1508-1.

FIGS. 16 and 17 show flow charts wherein the system can be utilized toprint tickets and maps respectively.

Referring now to FIG. 16 in a ticket printing system there is updatablemultimedia information that is viewed by a customer via step 1602 on thetelevision monitor. Thereafter the customer can select from a number ofticketing sources via step 1604. Whether the interactive devices are ina central location or in a each room the customer can order by thedevice interacting with a catalog order desk located in the facilitywhich then bills the customer via step 1606. The billing can occurdirectly through the account computer of the facility or on the otherhand can charged through a credit card transaction.

That transaction can be completed step via the credit card slot on theremote control 900, a credit card slot that may be located on themonitor or interactive device or telephone or finally the numbers on thecredit card could be entered utilizing a remote control or the like. TheMPS 102 can then generate a mail order facsimile directly to catalogerfacsimile telephone line via step 1608. The MPS 102 then sends the orderto the source via step 1610.

A customer receipt can then be printed at the front desk through aspecial printer and then the tickets can then be delivered via steps1612 and 1614. The tickets could be delivered either to the hotelfacilities, to the customers home or to her place of business. Finally,there could be variety of methods of delivery and there use would bewithin the spirit and scope of the present invention.

This system would have particular utility in conjunction with multimediayellow pages. Hence, the customer can review through advertising typicalvendor information as found in the yellow pages except now thisinformation is reviewed from a television. Selections can be made usingthe remote control 900 to obtain certain information and thereby causingseveral related actions to occur. By placement of the telephone call avendor could issue a ticket or coupon for a product or a service. Animportant feature for the printing of documents is the need for aninventory control system in which the customer can gain access toinformation that pertains to her transactions.

Referring now to FIG. 17 in a map printing system there is updatablemultimedia information that is viewed by a customer via step 1702 on thetelevision monitor. Thereafter the customer can select from a number ofmapping sources via step 1704. Whether the interactive devices are in acentral location or in a each room the customer can order by the deviceinteracting with a catalog order desk located in the facility which thenbills the customer via step 1706. The billing can occur directly throughthe account computer of the facility or on the other hand can chargedthrough a credit card transaction.

That transaction can be completed step via the credit card slot on theremote control 900, a credit card slot that may be located on themonitor or interactive device or finally the numbers on the credit cardcould be entered utilizing a remote control or the like. The MPS 102 canthen generate a mail order facsimile directly to cataloger facsimiletelephone line via step 1708. The MPS 102 then sends the order to thesource via step 1710.

A customer receipt can then be printed at the front desk through aspecial printer and then the maps can then be delivered via steps 1712and 1714. The maps could be delivered either to the hotel facilities, tothe customers home or to her place of business. Finally, there could bevariety of methods of delivery and there use would be within the spiritand scope of the present invention.

Referring now to FIGS. 18a and 18b what are shown is an electronicinventory control system 1800 and a physical inventory control system1800'. Referring first to FIG. 18a the electronic control systemincludes a personal computer 1802 with an associated display in thiscase a CRT display 1806. Also coupled to the personal computer is akeypad 1808 and a printer 1804. The printer in turn is coupled to anoutput device 1810. In such a system the keypad 1808 can be utilized bythe customer in much the same way as an automatic teller machine (ATM)in which the customer has a security code through the use of a room keyto allow the customer to order tickets or make reservations via thepersonal computer 1802. The computer is linked to the MPS 102 to allowfor secure access to the various sources of information. The display1806 can be utilized to interactively operate with the personal computerto cause the printing out of the appropriate transactions via theprinter 1804. The printer 1804, typically a laser printer or specializedticket printing machine prints the information and provides that printedinformation or ticket to a secure output device 1810.

FIG. 18b has similar elements to FIG. 18a, however the physical systemincludes a tray for receiving the transactional information. Thereforeeach customer can have access to an individual tray of information byusing their hotel key or the like. Through the inventory control systemsshown in FIGS. 18a and 18b the customer has secure access to interactivemultimedia transactions.

In yet a final example, the system can be configured for play alonggames. Accordingly, an interactive game could be provided which wouldallow for an individual to play a game such as chess, with another guestin the hotel or against a machine as in the case of a video game.

It should be understood that the IMD 110 itself could be utilized as acall processing system. Finally, it should be understood that therecould be multiple MPS 102 to provide for very large scale callprocessing through the MPC 109.

Although the present invention has been described in accordance with theembodiments shown in the figures, one of ordinary skill in the artrecognizes there could be variations to the embodiments and thosevariations would be within the spirit and scope of the presentinvention. Accordingly, many modifications may be made by one ofordinary skills in the art without departing from the spirit and scopeof present invention, the scope of which is defined solely by theappended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An interactive system for a closed cable networkcomprising:means for processing multimedia information; means coupled tothe multimedia processing means for receiving telephone messages fromand transmitting telephone messages to the multimedia processing means;means coupled to the mutimedia processing means for receiving accountinformation from and transmitting account information to the multimediaprocessing means; means coupled to the multimedia processing means forreceiving control information from and transmitting control informationto the multimedia processing means; a plurality of multimedia devicescoupled to the multimedia processing means to provide updatablemultimedia information and; multiplexer means coupled to an InteractiveMultimedia Decoder (IMD), the multiplexer means for receiving inputsfrom the plurality of multimedia devices and for selecting from theplurality of multimedia devices to provide a multimedia output signal tothe IMD.
 2. The system of claim 1 in which the plurality of multimediadevices includes a CD player.
 3. The system of claim 1 in which theplurality of multimedia devices includes a personal computer.
 4. Thesystem of claim 1 in which the plurality of multimedia devices includesa video camera.
 5. The system of claim 1 in which the plurality ofmultimedia devices includes a laser disk player.
 6. The system of claim1 in which the plurality of multimedia devices includes interactivemultimedia decoder (IMD).
 7. The system of claim 1 in which theplurality of multimedia devices includes at least one interactivemultimedia device and at least one video camera to provide a point topoint video system.
 8. The system of claim 1 in which the plurality ofmultimedia devices includes at least one interactive multimedia device(IMD) and at least one video camera to provide a multipoint to pointvideo system.
 9. The system of claim 1 in which the system is utilizedwith a voice response system.
 10. The system of claim 9 in which thevoice response system provides a facsimile image on a display.
 11. Aninteractive system for a closed cable network comprising:means forprocessing multimedia information; means coupled to the multimediaprocessing means for receiving telephone messages from and transmittingtelephone messages to the multimedia processing means; means coupled tothe multimedia processing means for receiving account information fromand transmitting account information to the multimedia processing means;means coupled to the multimedia processing means for receiving controlinformation from and transmitting control information to the multimediaprocessing means; a plurality of multimedia devices coupled to themultimedia processing means to provide updatable multimedia information;and a global multimedia multiplexer (GMM), the GMM further includingmeans for receiving inputs from the plurality of multimedia devices, andfor selecting from the plurality of multimedia devices to provide acomposite multimedia output signal to a plurality of interactivemultimedia decoders.
 12. An interactive system for a closed cablenetwork comprising:means for processing multimedia information; meanscoupled to the multimedia processing means for receiving telephonemessages from and transmitting telephone messages to the multimediaprocessing means; means coupled to the multimedia processing means forreceiving account information from and transmitting account informationto the multimedia processing means; means coupled to the multimediaprocessing means for receiving control information from and transmittingcontrol information to the multimedia processing means; a plurality ofmultimedia devices coupled to the multimedia processing means to provideupdatable multimedia information, and a voice response system coupled tothe telephone messages receiving transmitting means; the voice responsesystem for providing facsimile images on a display.